Set your agency's guidelines once - they'll be included in all client assessments and exports.
(Global – non-medical boundary line)
Silver Home Care provides non-medical home care.
When a request falls outside your role or the authorized care plan, pause and contact the office for direction.
Escalation chain: Caregiver → Office → Family/POA → 911 for emergencies
(Global – applies during all tasks)
You are a guest in the client's home and a representative of Silver Home Care. Professional conduct is required at all times.
When in doubt, pause and contact the office before proceeding.
(Global – prints on all task modules)
Clients have the right to make their own decisions in their own home.
They may refuse any task or any part of care at any time. They may change their mind. They may direct how tasks are performed. They may choose actions that go against medical recommendations, dietary guidelines, stated goals, or your personal opinion. That decision belongs to the client.
Caregivers do not control choices, enforce compliance, or override preferences. Care may not be forced, pressured, argued, or negotiated through shame, threats, or withholding assistance. If the client refuses, the task stops.
Caregivers provide safe, authorized support and report concerns — not control outcomes.
The only exception is immediate danger.
If there is an urgent safety risk or imminent harm, follow agency safety protocol and contact the office (and emergency services when appropriate).
Meal preparation affects more than nutrition—it touches identity, memory, comfort, and control. Approach each meal by asking what the client wants today, involving them in decisions, and keeping them informed as you move through their space. When choices stay with the client, mealtime feels familiar and grounding instead of something that happens to them.
Protect dignity by treating food preferences as personal and valid. Keep your tone neutral and respectful, even when choices differ from recommendations. Aim for the client to feel comfortable and unjudged at the table.
The client has the right to refuse any food or meal at any time - this must be respected without argument.
How Infection Spreads: Foodborne germs spread through dirty hands, cross-contamination (raw → ready-to-eat), unsafe temperatures, and contaminated kitchen surfaces.
What You Must Do: Wash hands before food prep, after raw foods, and before serving. Keep raw meat/eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods (separate boards/utensils). Cook thoroughly; reheat leftovers until steaming hot. Refrigerate perishables within 2 hours (sooner if hot room). Clean and disinfect counters, handles, and prep surfaces after use. If you have vomiting/diarrhea/fever, do not prepare food—notify the office.
What You Must Watch For: Spoiled/expired food, swollen cans, bad smells, mold. Client vomiting, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps.
When to Report: Suspected foodborne illness. Unsafe storage patterns likely to cause illness.
Housework affects more than cleanliness—it shapes whether the home feels stable and familiar. Approach chores by following the client's system, asking before changing routines, and keeping the home predictable rather than "improved" in your own style. When the environment stays recognizable, the client feels settled instead of displaced in their own space.
Protect dignity by treating the home as the client's space and system. Ask before changing routines, moving belongings, or discarding items. The goal is a clean home that still feels familiar and "theirs."
The client has the right to refuse any chore at any time and to determine task priorities.
How Infection Spreads: Germs spread from bathrooms, trash, dirty cloths/sponges, and high-touch surfaces.
What You Must Do: Wear gloves for bathrooms, trash, soiled items, or any bodily-fluid contamination. Clean first, then disinfect (disinfectants don't work well on visible dirt). Use products per label (contact time matters); never mix chemicals. Wash hands after glove removal and after cleaning. Keep cleaning tools sanitary (don't reuse a dirty cloth everywhere).
What You Must Watch For: Mold, pests, spoiled food buildup, strong urine/fecal odors. Overflowing trash/soiled linens increasing infection risk.
When to Report: Environmental conditions that create ongoing infection risk (mold/pests/unsanitary bathroom).
Medication routines affect safety, confidence, and the client's sense of competence. Approach medication support by following the care plan and agency rules, naming what's happening clearly, and helping the client stay connected to their routine rather than treated like a bystander. When the client stays informed and engaged, the routine feels steady instead of scary.
Protect dignity by speaking directly to the client with calm professionalism. Keep the routine clear and respectful, and avoid language that sounds corrective or impatient. Aim for the client to feel steady and supported.
The client has the right to refuse medications - document refusal and notify supervisor.
How Infection Spreads: Contaminated hands contaminate bottles, pill organizers, and surfaces; clients may be immunocompromised.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before and after handling med containers. Keep surfaces clean and dry where meds are set up. Do not touch pills directly unless explicitly authorized and trained. If you cough/sneeze, stop, wash hands, and avoid hovering over open containers.
What You Must Watch For: Fever, chills, new confusion, rash, swelling, drainage from wounds. Med storage that increases contamination risk (open containers, meds near sink).
When to Report: Infection signs, sudden change in condition, or unsafe med storage concerns.
Shopping affects comfort, routine, and a person's sense of choice in daily life. Approach shopping by confirming preferences and priorities and treating the client's list as the client's plan—not a suggestion. When preferences are honored, the client feels like life is still theirs, not something being managed from the outside.
Protect dignity by honoring preferences and priorities—brands, budget, and "I like what I like." Confirm substitutions rather than deciding for the client. Aim for the client to feel considered, not overridden.
The client has the right to choose what they want to purchase and how to spend their money.
How Infection Spreads: Public spaces increase exposure; groceries can carry germs; raw meat adds contamination risk.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene after stores and after handling bags/groceries. Bag raw meat separately; keep it separated during transport. Put away refrigerated/frozen items promptly. If client is high-risk (chemo/immunocompromised), follow any added precautions in the care plan.
What You Must Watch For: Expired/damaged packaging; leaking raw meat packages.
When to Report: Client becomes ill after outings or food handling concerns create infection risk.
Transportation affects independence and can create anxiety because it removes control over time, location, and safety. Approach each trip by reviewing the plan, narrating what's happening, and keeping the client oriented during transitions (leaving, entering, waiting). When the client knows what to expect, travel feels supported instead of destabilizing.
Protect dignity by supporting transitions with patience and clear communication. Match the client's pace, especially when entering/exiting the vehicle and walking into buildings. Aim for the client to feel steady and unhurried.
The client has the right to choose destinations and make stops they request.
How Infection Spreads: Close contact + public exposure; shared touchpoints (seatbelts, handles) can transfer germs.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene after public outings and after hands-on assistance. Gloves only when bodily fluids are possible (not routine driving). If client is coughing/ill, follow agency masking guidance for source control.
What You Must Watch For: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, sudden weakness after outings.
When to Report: New respiratory symptoms, fever, or rapid decline.
Hygiene affects routine and a person's sense of normal life. Approach hygiene by keeping the client involved in choices and pacing, and treating the routine as something they lead with your support. When the client stays in the driver's seat, care feels like help—not like a loss of self.
Protect dignity by keeping explanations simple, professional, and timely—before each step. Maintain privacy and minimize exposure as a normal part of the routine. Aim for the client to feel respected and comfortable.
The client has the right to refuse hygiene assistance at any time.
How Infection Spreads: High risk due to skin contact, moisture, and possible bodily fluids.
What You Must Do: Wash hands before/after care; gloves when bodily fluids are possible. Change gloves if contaminated; never move from "dirty" to "clean" steps with same gloves. Keep supplies clean; keep soiled items contained. Protect yourself from splashes (positioning, barriers).
What You Must Watch For: Redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, odor, rash, fungal infection in folds.
When to Report: Skin breakdown, suspected infection, fever, or significant change.
Dressing affects identity and how a person feels in their own body. Approach upper-body dressing by keeping choices with the client and supporting what they can do safely rather than automatically doing it all for them. When the client's preferences guide the process, they feel like themselves—not like a task.
Protect dignity by supporting clothing choices without commentary. Assist in a way that preserves comfort and modesty. Aim for the client to feel like themselves.
The client has the right to choose what they wear and refuse dressing assistance.
How Infection Spreads: Skin contact can transfer germs; risk rises with wounds or rashes.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after hands-on dressing help. Gloves if there are open areas, drainage, or you may contact bodily fluids. Keep clean clothes off contaminated surfaces.
What You Must Watch For: New rashes, sores, redness, swelling on arms/torso.
When to Report: Any new open skin, drainage, or rapidly spreading rash.
Lower-body dressing often brings up vulnerability because it involves balance, coordination, and dependence. Approach this task by staying calm, keeping the client involved in decisions and sequencing, and supporting participation where it's safe. When the client feels steady and included, the moment feels manageable instead of exposing.
Protect dignity by keeping the process calm, steady, and modesty-aware. Support participation where it's safe and keep communication clear. Aim for the client to feel secure, not self-conscious.
The client has the right to choose what they wear and refuse dressing assistance.
How Infection Spreads: Lower-body dressing can involve contact with soiled clothing, skin breakdown, and foot wounds.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after; gloves if soiled items or bodily fluids are present. Keep soiled clothing contained; wash hands after handling it. Protect yourself: avoid kneeling in contaminated areas; use safe body mechanics.
What You Must Watch For: Foot/leg wounds, redness, swelling, fungal infection, odor.
When to Report: New wounds (especially feet), drainage, sudden swelling/redness.
Movement affects confidence, mood, and a person's sense of freedom. Approach locomotion by supporting safety while letting the client set the rhythm as much as possible, and by coaching instead of commanding. When the client feels capable, walking becomes a win—not a reminder of limitation.
Protect dignity by supporting without directing every move. Use coaching language that's encouraging and clear. Aim for the client to feel capable and steady.
The client has the right to move around their home as they choose.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Hands-on assistance and device handles can transfer germs.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene after hands-on support. Clean device handles if visibly soiled. Protect yourself: avoid contact with open wounds; glove if bodily fluids are present.
What You Must Watch For: Foot wounds, skin breakdown from footwear/braces.
When to Report: New blisters/open areas, signs of infection.
Transfers can be frightening because the client feels the risk in their body. Approach each transfer with clear, calm communication and a shared plan so the client is moving with you—not being moved by you. When the client feels prepared and steady, fear drops and cooperation rises.
Protect dignity by making transfers collaborative: explain the plan, confirm readiness, and cue clearly. Keep your tone confident and calm. Aim for the client to feel safe and involved.
The client has the right to refuse a transfer at any time.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Close contact; risk increases if skin is compromised or linens are soiled.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after hands-on transfers. Gloves if bodily fluids/soiling is present. Protect yourself: use proper body mechanics to avoid injury (injury increases infection risk via exposure).
What You Must Watch For: Pressure-area redness (hips/sacrum/heels), skin tears.
When to Report: Skin tears, persistent redness, suspected infection.
Toileting affects routine and a person's sense of control over their day. Approach this task by keeping the client oriented to what's happening, supporting independence where possible, and staying calm and matter-of-fact. When the client feels in control of the process, the task stays small instead of becoming emotionally heavy.
Protect dignity by keeping privacy, tone, and pacing respectful and matter-of-fact. Support independence where safe and keep communication clear without drawing attention. Aim for the client to feel at ease.
Client has the right to privacy and to be treated with respect during personal care.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Very high risk due to urine/feces and contaminated surfaces.
What You Must Do: Gloves required; wash hands after glove removal. Keep clean supplies separate from contaminated items. Disinfect any contaminated surfaces as directed. Protect yourself: avoid splash exposure; change gloves if contaminated.
What You Must Watch For: UTI signs: burning, urgency, strong odor, cloudy urine, new confusion, fever.
When to Report: Any UTI symptoms, fever, blood in urine, sudden confusion.
Bed mobility affects comfort, rest, and how safe a client feels when they're most vulnerable. Approach repositioning by explaining the plan, coordinating movement, and checking comfort after each change. When the client feels secure and settled, the bed remains a place of rest—not stress.
Protect dignity by explaining repositioning, keeping the client comfortable, and maintaining appropriate coverage. Check in afterward to confirm comfort. Aim for the client to feel settled and secure.
Client has the right to choose their sleeping position and be involved in decisions about their care.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Soiled linens and prolonged moisture/pressure increase infection risk.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after; gloves if linens are soiled. Do not shake linens; keep soiled linens contained. Follow care-plan repositioning to reduce pressure injury risk.
What You Must Watch For: Redness that doesn't fade, warmth, tenderness, open areas.
When to Report: Pressure injury signs, drainage, fever.
Eating affects comfort, appetite, and a person's sense of normalcy. Approach eating support by respecting the client's pace and preferences and helping the client stay in charge of the experience. When meals feel normal and unrushed, the client feels human—not handled.
Allow client to feed themselves as much as possible. Assist only when necessary.
Client has the right to refuse food or stop eating at any time.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Germs spread through hands, utensils, and shared surfaces; aspiration raises pneumonia risk.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before assisting; use clean utensils only. Encourage client hand hygiene when feasible. Protect yourself: avoid contact with saliva; wash hands if exposed.
What You Must Watch For: Coughing/choking during meals, wet/gurgly voice, shortness of breath. Dehydration signs: dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, confusion.
When to Report: Aspiration signs, repeated choking, suspected dehydration.
Bladder incontinence can trigger anxiety because it threatens control and predictability. Approach support by staying calm, treating it as manageable, and keeping the client oriented to what's happening and what comes next. When the caregiver's approach is steady, the client feels safer and less exposed.
Handle with sensitivity - maintain client's dignity at all times. Provide privacy during care.
Client has the right to be treated with respect and to participate in their care decisions.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Moisture + urine exposure increases UTI risk and skin infection risk.
What You Must Do: Gloves required; hand hygiene after glove removal. Clean and dry skin thoroughly; apply barrier product if directed. Keep supplies clean; contain soiled products properly.
What You Must Watch For: UTI signs (odor, burning, frequency, confusion, fever). Skin redness, breakdown, yeast-like rash.
When to Report: UTI symptoms, skin breakdown, fever or sudden confusion.
Bowel incontinence is deeply personal and can trigger shame or anxiety. Approach this care with calm structure—what's happening, what's next, and how you're going to help—so the client isn't left feeling exposed. When the caregiver stays steady and matter-of-fact, the client feels safer and more in control.
Handle with sensitivity - maintain client's dignity at all times. Provide complete privacy during care.
Client has the right to be treated with respect and to participate in their care decisions.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: High exposure to bodily fluids; moisture increases skin infection risk and UTIs.
What You Must Do: Gloves required; hand hygiene after glove removal. Clean and dry thoroughly; apply barrier cream if directed. Keep clean and soiled items separate; dispose of waste properly.
What You Must Watch For: UTI signs (odor, burning, confusion, fever). Skin breakdown, yeast-like rash, drainage.
When to Report: UTI symptoms, skin breakdown, fever/sudden confusion.
Personal care tasks affect how a client experiences their body and day-to-day life. Approach care by keeping the client involved in decisions and supporting what they can do safely rather than replacing their effort. When participation is protected, the client keeps confidence and routine.
Respect privacy and maintain dignity at all times. Provide covering and only expose areas being worked on.
Client has the right to choose their personal care products and routines.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Close contact, moisture, and possible bodily fluids increase transmission risk.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after; gloves when bodily fluids or non-intact skin are possible. Keep client supplies client-specific; don't cross-use items. Protect yourself: cover your own cuts; avoid exposure to drainage.
What You Must Watch For: Redness, swelling, drainage, odor, fever.
When to Report: Infection signs or new skin breakdown.
Bathing can feel like a loss of control because it's physically demanding and hard to "opt out" of once it starts. Approach bathing by keeping the plan clear, breaking it into manageable steps, and letting the client lead choices and pacing. When the client feels prepared and steady, bathing feels like care—not an ordeal.
Respect privacy - cover what is not being washed. Maintain modesty at all times.
Client has the right to refuse bathing or specific aspects of care.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Moist environments increase bacterial/fungal growth; skin breakdown increases infection risk.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after; gloves when bodily fluids/non-intact skin are possible. Dry thoroughly, especially folds and between toes. Keep clean/used linens separated. Protect yourself: safe footing to avoid slips (injury risk).
What You Must Watch For: Rashes, fungal infections, open areas, drainage, increasing redness.
When to Report: Suspected infection, open skin, fever.
Bathing can feel like a loss of control because it's physically demanding and hard to "opt out" of once it starts. Approach bathing by keeping the plan clear, breaking it into manageable steps, and letting the client lead choices and pacing. When the client feels prepared and steady, bathing feels like care—not an ordeal.
Respect privacy - cover what is not being washed. Maintain client's modesty at all times.
Client has the right to refuse shower or specific aspects of care.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Moist environments increase bacterial/fungal growth; skin breakdown increases infection risk.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after; gloves when bodily fluids/non-intact skin are possible. Dry thoroughly, especially folds and between toes. Keep clean/used linens separated. Protect yourself: safe footing to avoid slips (injury risk).
What You Must Watch For: Rashes, fungal infections, open areas, drainage, increasing redness.
When to Report: Suspected infection, open skin, fever.
Laundry affects dignity-adjacent routines without needing to talk about dignity directly—clothing is personal and predictable routines matter. Approach laundry by following the client's preferences and keeping their system intact rather than "improving" it. When clothing and routines stay familiar, the client feels steady and at home.
Handle client's personal items (undergarments, intimate apparel) with extra care and discretion.
Client has the right to choose their laundry products and specify how their laundry is done.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Soiled laundry can carry germs; shaking spreads particles.
What You Must Do: Gloves for visibly soiled laundry; hand hygiene after handling. Do not shake soiled linens; keep them contained. Wash and dry thoroughly to prevent mold/mildew growth.
What You Must Watch For: Recurrent soiling, strong persistent odor, signs linens aren't being cleaned/dried properly.
When to Report: Ongoing hygiene concerns that raise infection risk.
Reading and writing support affects independence because it affects understanding and decision-making. Approach this task by keeping the client's priorities and voice leading, and by checking understanding without talking down. When the client stays informed in their own words, they feel capable—not bypassed.
Allow client to hold books or papers themselves when possible. Do not rush them.
Client has the right to choose reading materials and decide what gets written.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Shared objects (mail, pens, paperwork, devices) can transfer germs.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene after handling shared papers/objects and before moving to another hands-on task. Protect yourself: avoid touching face during handling.
What You Must Watch For: None specific beyond general illness signs.
When to Report: If you observe signs of acute illness that affect safety of care.
Coaching affects confidence because it can either build a person up or quietly teach them they can't do anything anymore. Approach supervision by encouraging effort, giving clear cues, and stepping in only when safety requires it. When support builds ability, the client gains momentum instead of dependence.
Provide encouragement and positive feedback. Never make the client feel rushed or incompetent.
Client has the right to attempt tasks independently and make mistakes.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Infection risk depends on the activity being coached (hygiene/toileting is high-risk; paperwork is low-risk).
What You Must Do: Apply the infection-control steps of the underlying task. Hand hygiene after any hands-on assistance. Protect yourself: don't "coach through" unsafe hygiene—pause and correct technique.
What You Must Watch For: Poor hand hygiene, contaminated supplies, unsafe waste handling.
When to Report: Repeated unsafe hygiene practices or new infection signs.
Financial help affects security and can quickly trigger fear of losing control. Approach this task by going step-by-step with the client's direction, keeping everything visible and explained, and never "taking over" to make it faster. When the client stays oriented to what's happening, support feels protective instead of risky.
Protect dignity by keeping everything transparent and client-led. Move step by step, explain what you're doing, and check understanding without talking down. Aim for the client to feel informed and secure.
The client has the right to manage their own finances and refuse assistance at any time.
How Infection Spreads: Cash, cards, receipts, and shared pens carry germs between people.
What You Must Do: Use hand sanitizer after handling cash/cards/paperwork, then wash hands when able. Avoid touching your face during handling. Keep client papers contained and returned to their designated place (prevents contamination + loss).
What You Must Watch For: Visible soiling (food, bodily fluids) on paperwork or surfaces being handled.
When to Report: Any biohazard exposure (blood/urine/feces) tied to handled items.
Skin care affects comfort and can be emotionally sensitive when the client already feels "handled" a lot. Approach application by explaining what's being used and why, and by letting the client guide preferences about timing and feel. When the client stays included, the task feels supportive instead of intrusive.
Ensure proper draping and privacy - only expose the area being treated.
Client has the right to refuse application at any time.
How Infection Spreads During This Task: Contaminated hands or containers can spread bacteria; applying to broken skin increases risk.
What You Must Do: Hand hygiene before/after. Gloves if applying to non-intact skin or areas with drainage. Avoid contaminating containers (use pump/clean technique when possible).
What You Must Watch For: Worsening redness, swelling, drainage, increased pain, odor.
When to Report: Signs of skin infection or rapid worsening.
Select a task below to add or edit guidelines. These will be included in all assessment exports.
